Borthwick names England squad for autumn Tests — SkimNews
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- Steve Borthwick named a 36-man England training squad for the autumn Nations Championship, emphasizing experience and established relationships rather than current form.
- Joe Marchant is recalled to the squad despite not being in standout club form, with former player Chris Ashton suggesting the selection reflects Borthwick's long-term World Cup planning rather than immediate performance.
- Will Joseph earns inclusion on merit after strong performances for Gloucester, positioning him as a contender for the starting centre role alongside a potential shootout with Marchant.
- Archie McParland and Kepu Tuipulotu are uncapped inclusions, bringing fresh options at scrum-half and hooker, though both face stiff competition from established Test players.
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Seb Atkinson, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are sidelined with injuries, limiting Borthwick’s options in key positions ahead of the World Cup cycle.
- Fin Smith misses initial training due to a calf niggle, prompting the call-up of Charlie Atkinson, while several regulars like Fin Baxter and Luke Cowan-Dickie return despite limited club minutes.
Why it matters: England’s World Cup hopes hinge on Borthwick balancing proven performers with emerging talent, but with only nine competitive matches left before the tournament and inconsistent form across the squad, the margin for error is shrinking fast. The November Tests are now critical proving grounds.
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